ARIZONA STATE SENATE SB1179 MEMORIAL:BUFFALO SOLDIERS LETTER

On May 8, 2018

The Honorable Michele Reagan Secretary of State, 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ

Dear Ms. Reagan:

I was honored to be the prime sponsor for Senate Bill 1179, at the request of Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, founders of the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona.

Commander Marable and Deputy Commander London-Marable asked me to sponsor the aforementioned bill to create a Buffalo Soldiers Memorial at the Arizona State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Memorial, dated July 20th, 2017.

The aforementioned bill was passed on April 2nd, 2018, and, subsequently, signed by Arizona State Governor Doug Ducey on April 5th, 2018.

Therefore, I would appreciate if you would kindly transmit a copy of this Memorial Act to Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable, Founders, Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa AZ, for their organization records and fundraisers for the monument, at their address.

I commend Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable for their selfless efforts and countless hours of work to keep alive the history of the Buffalo Soldiers for the State of Arizona.

Sincerely,

Catherine Miranda

Arizona State Senator

August 24, 2017

Dear Commander Marable and Deputy London-Marable,

"Please share that your bill has a sponsor for the Buffalo Soldier Memorial, which will be introduced next legislative session.  Once session begins, I will be in constant contact with you on when the bill will be assigned to committee, at which time I encourage you and supporters to testify in committee." 

January 9, 2018

Dear Commander Fred Marable and Deputy Commander Michelle London-Marable,

"Enclosed is the draft language of your bill.  It will be assigned a bill number once I have dropped it into the hopper which I am hopeful by the end of this week."

January 17, 2018

Dear Cmdr. Fred Marable and Deputy Cmdr. Michelle London-Marable,

"I have dropped your bill in the hopper and is now HB 2419, Memorial; Buffalo Soldiers.  With 48 Representatives and 4 Senators signing on.  I will keep you updated on when the bill will be heard in committee so you can testify in support of it. " IT IS AN HONOR TO SPONSOR YOUR BILL."

January 26, 2018

Dear Commander Marable and Depity Commander London-Marable,

"Your bill is being heard on Thursday, February 1st.  I have included the agenda for your reference.  Please let me know if you will be testifying to the committee.  Also, if you have any sketches of the Memorial it is highly advisable to present them during committee as well.  Please let other supporters know we need their support during committee as well."

Note:  HB2419 is scheduled to be heard in the House Government Committee on 02/01/2018 at 9:30 a.m.

February 15, 2018

Dear Commander Marable and Deputy Commander London-Marable,

"It is with great honor that I report to you, HB2419 Buffalo Soldiers Memorial has passed 3rd Read with a unanimous vote, 59 Ayes, 1 Absent.  It will now go to the Senate and go through the same process, unless the Senate passes the mirror bill then it will go directly to the Governor for signing. THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT HONOR OF BEING THE SPONSOR OF YOUR BILL."